Kalam: An inspiration, for aeons to come

We 92 years ago, in a quiet town that attracted thousands of pilgrims was born this great man we call Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam.

- HARRY SHERIDON

How will Dr Kalam be most remembered? How, if at all, has he changed the image of Rashtrapati Bhavan? Has he been one of India's greatest Presidents? 

According to him, he had to take unexpected turns along life's way to his place in history as a scientist, teacher and President. At the three quarter point of his life, Dr Kalam was persuaded by the then Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee to take a different route for India's sake. From then on, given his faith in children and his love for them, he headed towards the title of the People's President. That is when Mosque Street of Rameswaram where Dr Kalam spent his childhood days became the talk of the country. Today, Rameswaram signifies 'Land of a mighty soul, Years of positive Kalam history'. The stress people put on it is justifiable.

Whenever conversations revolve around Dr Kalam, Rameswaram gets a special mention. To return to that pure heart of great thoughts, renowned Rameswaram, there is no richer or more evocative journey to take into the ideal spiritual retreat that houses his memorial.

Dr Kalam's bid for greatness was his clarion call for peaceful coexistence by citing his childhood experiences. His books, 'Wings of Fire' and 'My Journey' talk in detail about how Rameswaram that was immune to upheavals and communal riots thrived as an example of universal brotherhood. During his career as a scientist, briefly as a teacher and his tenure as President, Dr Kalam represented everything he stood for. In spite of being subjected to criticism, he stood for his religious beliefs and appreciation for other faiths, unwaveringly. His spiritual experiences with Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Acharya Mahapragya among other religious leaders are one thing and his commitment to Islam, Tawhid and Hadith is another.